94 points Wine Enthusiast: "Complex aromas of red rose, tilled earth, red berry, black pepper, balsamic notes and a whiff of barnyard lead the nose on this structured wine. The juicy palate features ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and a hint of mocha alongside fresh acidity and firm but polished tannins. Drink 2016–2026." (12/2014)91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Ornella Pelissero’s 2011 Barbaresco Bricco San Giuliano shows some of the heat of the 2011 vintage but does so with an irresistible level of moxie and charm. You get generous servings of ripe cherry and raspberry with lingering tones of ...Read More »

93 points Wine Spectator: "Marked by ripe cherry, strawberry, floral and tar flavors, this red is graceful and detailed, with the fruit intensity persisting on the finish. This is well-integrated, and just needs time for the tannins to soften. Excellent length." (5/2015)92 points James Suckling: "Aromas of dried berry, lemon peel and plum follow through to a medium to full body, fine tannins and a bright finish. Bright and delicious. I like both the 2010 and 2011 at the same level but for different reasons. Better in 2015." (12/2014)90 points Antonio Galloni: "The Produttori del Barbaresco's 2011 Barbaresco presents an intriguing combin...Read More »

95 points Wine Enthusiast: "*Cellar Selection* Fragrant and balanced, this structured wine opens with an alluring fragrance of red rose petal, black raspberry, leather and spice. The ripe, savory palate delivers mature black cherry, balsamic notes, subtle oak and a touch of vanilla, all supported by a firm, tannic backbone and fresh acidity. It’s already fabulous but hold for complexity. Drink 2016–2026." (12/2014)92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2011 Barbaresco Gallina is perfumed and layered with bright red fruit at the core. You can feel the heat of the 2011 vintage, but not in a distracting or diminishing w...Read More »

Matteo Ascheri is in charge of a vibrant wine cellar and is producing really complex and interesting wines for excellent price points. The winery has been in his family and making wine since 1880 but really blossomed upon Matteo taking the reins. This 2010 Barolo is a blend of three different Barolo communes 50% comes from Serralunga d'Alba where the most powerful wines are made and blended with 40% from La Morra and 10% from Verduno where high tone aromatics add a top end to the wine. This Barolo is made with 100% Nebbiolo, was harvested in mid October...
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Jancis Robinson: "Monforte d’Alba. Quite deep ruby with narrow orange rim – oak? Very closed and reluctant on the nose, with only a hint of bacon. Succulent fruit with a muscular tannic structure and multilayered finish, but not nearly ready. (17/20)" (6/2014)K&L Notes: Started by Angelo Germano in 1908, this estate has been run by the fourth generation of Germanos--Davide--since the 1990s.

91 points Wine Enthusiast: "Barolo Essenze is a blend of Nebbiolo fruit sourced from multiple vineyard spots. The results are super concentration, a brooding, masculine feel and dark notes of black fruit and exotic spice. This chewy, textured wine delivers a big, powerful style that will benefit from more years of cellar aging. - M.L. (9/1/2011)" (9/2011)K&L Notes:
Terre da Vino's Essenze is a selection of small lots of grand cru Barolo fruit for an unbeatable price. This 2007 vintage includes fruit from La Morra, Novello, Serralunga d'Alba, and Monforte d'Alba. The wine is aged in barriques...
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Delicious pink wine, some of the first Nebbiolo rosé of the season. Pink like a perfect spring sunset. Pink like...an earthworm. Indeed, Proprietà Sperino, located in the historic district of Ori in northern Piedmont, also produces worm cast humus in its own production facility, Utilizing millions of Californian red earthworms. Serve cold.

From some of the best vineyards in the Barbaresco DOC, this is a delightful rendition of Nebbiolo. From the winery: "Ruby-red shading to garnet. Very intense and forward, with scents of violets, redcurrants, strawberry and vanilla. Rich and generous in the mouth, soft, with a light vein of tannin over violets, and a lingering finish."

92 points Antonio Galloni: "Tobacco, dried herbs, hard candy, leather, rose petal, earthiness and spices are all laced together in the 2011 Uvaggio. In this vintage, the Uvaggio is dark, rich and textured, with a little more amplitude than normal and a little less freshness, both of which make me thing it is best enjoyed sooner rather than later. Over the last year, the 2011 has put on considerable depth, which, along with the natural richness of the year, results in an Uvaggio that is unusually generous. What a gorgeous wine this is. The 2011 is 80% Nebbiolo and 20% Vespolina, wit...Read More »

96 points Antonio Galloni: "Another dazzling wine, the 2010 Barolo Le Coste races across the palate with bright red cherry, plum, spice, hard candy, mint and rose petal overtones. The Le Coste is a bit more primary, perfumed, sweet and pliant-especially through the mid-palate than the San Giuseppe. Sinewy, powerful and tannic, the Le Coste is what traditionally made Barolo is all about. The 2010 spent three years in cask." (9/2014)94 points Wine Spectator: "Cherry, floral, tar, iron and mineral aromas and flavors mark this red, which is savory and fruity in equal measure. The sweet fruit is balanced by seriou...Read More »

93 points James Suckling: "This is very spicy with chilies and peppers before turning to berries and strawberries. Full body, velvety tannins and flavors as well as lightly salty undertones. Drink or hold." (1/2015)93 points Wine Spectator: "Almost salty in taste, featuring licorice, kirsch, raspberry and tobacco aromas and flavors. Supple in texture, with a light grain to the underlying tannins. Shows fine length, revealing echoes of cherry on the finish. Best from 2017 through 2030. 250 cases made." (6/2015)92 points Antonio Galloni: "Camigliano 2010 Brunello di Montalcino races across the palate with gorgeous depth and intensity. The...Read More »

Jancis Robinson: "Mid ruby with orange tinges. Quite subdued on the nose and pretty closed on the palate. Aeration shows just a hint of oak. Tannic finish with considerable power behind it and very long and youthful." (5/2014) James Suckling: "A lightly chewy wine with blueberry and milk-chocolate character. Light body, fresh finish. Screw cap." (3/2015) Wine Spectator: "Round and smooth, with light-grained tannins underneath sweet cherry and berry notes. Anise and tobacco accents chime in as this ends with refinement and moderate length. Drink now through 2018. (Web Only - 2014)"

99 points James Suckling: "This is an absolutely fabulous red, with incredible concentration but polish and refinement. It’s full-bodied, with wonderful depth of fruit and length. Complex, with minerals, dark fruits, plums and currants. Speechless. It sends chills up my spine. What a wine. It goes on for minutes. Hard to believe that it’s better than the 2007, but it is." (9/2014)97 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2008 Barolo Riserva Rüncot is an exceptional wine that is only made in the best years. It was produced in 2008, 2010 and 2013. The wine undergoes a 40-day maceration time with four years in oak and one...Read More »

Grown on part of the Prevostura hill, from a typical northern Piedmont blend of varieties Nebbiolo (70%), Vespolina (20%) and Croatina (10%). The soils here are 35% old marine sand, 25% clay and 40% silt, and they are acidic; the grapes are picked typically in early October, and the wine is fermented in stainless steel with a fairly long maceration (18 days after the end of fermentation). The wine is aged in small barrels (not new) for 21 months before bottling. In effect this is declassified Lessona with a little Croatina added, so the flavors tend towa...
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94 points Wine Enthusiast: "*Editors' Choice* Intense and elegant, it brings together sensations of violet, crushed red berry, mineral and cake spices that are supported by firm but fine tannins and brisk acidity. Fermented with wild yeasts, it illustrates the vibrant character of the vintage. Drink 2018–2040" (10/2014)

96 points Wine Enthusiast: "*Cellar Selection* From the heart of the historic Cannubi zone, this classically crafted wine opens with a gorgeous fragrance of violets, dried rose, new leather and crushed berries. The vibrant palate is still restrained by youth but it delivers bright sour cherry, sage, balsamic notes, Mediterranean herbs and sweet spices alongside great energy and intensity. Drink 2020–2040." (10/2014)94 points Antonio Galloni: "The 2010 Barolo Cannubi wraps around the palate with gorgeous depth and the pure silkiness that makes this vineyard in the town of Barolo so special. Crushed flowers, min...Read More »

94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Dark and rich upon first impact, the 2010 Barolo Bricco Luciani is a powerful and muscular expression that aspires to the highest level of aromatic intensity. This wine definitely leaves a lasting impression and speaks in high volumes for the 2010 vintage. It presents delicate tones of dried cherry, blue flower and licorice backed by oak-driven tones of nutmeg and dried tobacco leaf. If feels smooth and silky on the palate. Those firm tannins bode well for long-term consumption. Drink: 2017-2030. (ML)" (7/2014)91 points James Suckling: "Bright aromas of strawberries and flowers fol...Read More »

Tasting note: "Made with only Nebbiolo grapes, thanks to its intriguing simplicity and easy drinkability, this is the perfect wine for every day, while standing up to even the most important occasions. Transparent garnet red, it surprises us with its gentle floral notes, which lead to a fresh, fruity and harmonious taste. Delightful and joyous, it's easy to match with food but is perfect with all traditional cuisine from Valtellina. To be served in large glasses at 12-14°C." (the winery)

95 points Antonio Galloni: "The 2011 Barolo Lazzarito is fabulous in this vintage. Rich, ample and structured, the 2011 is both opulent and savory in style. Iron, plums, dark red cherries, smoke, licorice and tobacco meld together in a remarkably harmonious young Serralunga Barolo. This is the first year the Vietti Lazzarito includes a second recently acquired parcel, which may be one of the factors that influences quality, but at the same time, the Lazzarito has been the most improved Barolo in the range. All the elements come together in the 2011, a wine that has it all. This is ...Read More »

Sandro Fay has been producing wines in Valtellina for the past 40 years, and is dedicated to single-vineyard expressions of this unique and historic terroir. Upriver from Lake Como, near the Swiss border, the Valtellina DOCG sits in a narrow valley that runs east/west at the base of the alps, which protect its sunny climate. The signature grape is Nebbiolo, known locally as Chiavennasca. Fay's Costa Bassa vineyard is located in the village of Teglio, designated as "Valtellina Superiore," one of the finest terroirs in the appellation. In this cooler, sub-...
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From the winery: "The Azienda Agricola Fay was founded in 1973 by Sandro Fay who, starting from a small family-run wine producing business, decided to expand the estate’s activities. Construction work began in 1971 on the winery’s premises in San Giacomo di Teglio and in the following years the vineyards were extended by incorporating several additional plots of land. Since 1998, Sandro has been flanked by his children Marco and Elena. The Carterìa vineyard covers an area of 3 hectares in the Valgella sub-zone at 500 metres; the name stems from the name ...
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The Germano winery is a few hundred yards north of Serralunga. Sergio Germano is typical of the new generation of producers in the Langhe; after completing six years of study at the school of enology in Alba he made wine for a few years at Fontanafredda, one of the largest wineries in the area, before returning to the family winery in 1993. This is 100% Nebbiolo, as are Germano's stellar Barolos. But this is from just outside the zone. It is pure and driven as the snows that sit on these vineyards each winter. Roses, tar, black fruits, earth and a firm t...
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92 points Antonio Galloni: "The grapes are selected from vineyards located in Castiglione Falletto, Monforte, Barolo, and Novello, from vines ranging in age from 7 to 35 years old. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel over 15 days, with daily cap submersion for extraction of flavor and color. The wine is then aged for 24 months in casks. The wine was blended in stainless steel tanks 8 months before bottling." (9/2014) Jancis Robinson: "Pale ruby with orange tinges. Classic Nebbiolo nose yet closed and with the merest hint of oak. Compact and fresh fruit on the palate with a proper load of firm, ripe...Read More »

95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2009 Barolo Colonnello is destined to occupy a special place in my heart as it turned out to be the first sample in my opening blind flight as Italian reviewer with The Wine Advocate. Darkly concentrated and rich, it sets the stage beautifully for 2009 Barolo thanks to its enormous grace, power and elegance. Where it really wins praise, however, is in the mouth. It shows solid grip and firm tannic tenacity that is bold and muscular without going over the top. It moves steadily over the palate in an exceptional manner. The bouquet opens to wild cherry...Read More »

94 points Antonio Galloni: "The 2011 Barbaresco Asili captures the pedigree of this great site. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, mint and cinnamon all resonate in an impeccable, silky Barbaresco loaded with class. A translucent, crystalline wine, the 2011 impresses for its balance and overall harmony. What a gorgeous wine this is. (AG)" (10/2014)

93 points Wine Spectator: "*Highly Recommended* Bright cherry, strawberry, floral, licorice and herbal aromas and flavors highlight this fragrant, elegant red, which is silky and pure, with fine ripe tannins for support. Shows excellent length, with an aftertaste of fruit, spice and mineral. Best from 2015 through 2028." (4/2014)92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2009 Barbaresco shows personality and good cheer with a good dose of dried fruit and savory spice. There are some elements that make the wine seem more aged than it really is. Cured meat and old leather emerge. But then the wine suddenly surprises you w...Read More »

92 points James Suckling: "Pretty aromas of rose bush and ripe strawberries follow though to a full body with fine tannins and a cocoa, fruit and light hazelnut character. This is always a delicious expression of Nebbiolo. Drink or hold until 2023." (12/2013)90 points Wine Spectator: "A lean style, more on the savory than fruity side, offering cherry and berry flavors, accented by tobacco, leather and spice notes. Firm tannins grip the finish, recommending this to braised beef. Drink now through 2020." (2/2014) Jancis Robinson: "Mid ruby with broad orange rim. Ripe, dried fruit and tobacco leaf. Lots of concentration and succul...Read More »

The Castello di Verduno, owned by Gabriella Burlotto and Franco Bianco, is a beautiful old building at the top of the village of Verduno, on the edge of the Barolo zone. The Castello di Verduno wine label unites two cellars, one under the castle in the Barolo zone and the other near the famous 'cru' Rabajà, in the Barbaresco area. Wines are produced in Barbaresco and bottled and stored in Verduno. Grapes for Verduno's Langhe Nebbiolo bottling come from the Faset and Rabajà vineyards in Barbaresco. The wine is aged for 2 months in large casks and 6 months...
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94 points Antonio Galloni: "An aromatically beguiling wine, the 2009 Barolo Cicala is laced with dark plums, truffles, tar, incense and a host of other balsamic-infused aromas. Today, the fruit lies a bit in the background, while the wine's aromatics and overall structure are much more in evidence. I imagine the 2009 will require at least a few more years in bottle to flesh out, but it is quite beautiful, even at this stage. There is a weightless tension in the 2009 that is remarkable." (5/2013)94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2009 Barolo Cicala reveals the particular dynamic of the vintage with firmly astringe...Read More »

92 points James Suckling: "Beautiful purity of fruit to this with dried-strawberry, flower and cherry character. Full to medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Lightly chewy, which gives tension to the wine. Better in 2016." (12/2014)91 points Antonio Galloni: "Bright red cherries, pine, spice and mint are some of the notes that jump from the glass in the 2011 Barbaresco Vallegrande. Floral and lifted in the glass, the 2011 stands out for its nuance and delineation. In this vintage, the Vallegrande retains its essentially perfumed, mid-weight personality. (AG)" (10/2014)K&L Notes:
This vineyard was previously labe...
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94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2010 Barolo Cerretta is a plush and shapely wine with voluptuous contours and soft aromatic layering. This vineyard cru gives rise to some of the plumpest and most fruit-forward expressions of Nebbiolo and the 2010 vintage is an especially good example of that tendency. I love the savory tones of cigar box and old spice that spread so smoothly over the palate. The tannins are very dry and polished in texture. (ML)" (7/2014)93 points Antonio Galloni: "Smoke, tobacco, earthiness and iron emerge from the 2010 Barolo Cerretta. Here the style is distinctly ferrous and earthy in a Bar...Read More »

96 points James Suckling: "A beautiful purity of fruit to this young Barolo with ripe strawberries, citrus, flowers and spice. Full body, integrated tannins and a long finish. Need another two or three years to soften." (4/2015)93 points Antonio Galloni: "A dark, exotic Barolo, the 2011 Brunate boasts tons of density and volume. Black cherry, plum, spice, licorice, new leather and menthol are some of the many nuances that flesh out in the glass. Ultimately, though, the 2011 is largely defined by the texture and amplitude of the year. Brunate is often slow out of the gate, so I will not be surprised if that is...Read More »

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "This elegant but structured Barbaresco has a lovely and complex perfume of lilac, violet and underbrush. The palate expresses delicious sour cherry and black cherry flavors layered with mint, cinnamon and a hint of orange peel. This is still young and needs a few more years in bottle." (9/2013) Jancis Robinson: "Blend of three vineyards. Medium ruby. Already quite evolved on the nose. Relatively simple and a bit aggressive thanks to the acidity and tannin. Chunky, rather drying finish." (3/2014)K&L Notes:
From high-limestone soils and a selection of vineyards in the Rabajà bass and Fas...
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94 points Antonio Galloni: "Sperino's 2009 Lessona is drop-dead gorgeous. Sweet red berries, tobacco, menthol and licorice all flesh out in a juicy, soft Nebbiolo with no hard edges and plenty of supple, deeply expressive fruit. This is an unusually resonant, generous young Lessona built on balance and symmetry. I expect the 2009 will be even better in another few years, but it is already a drop-dead gorgeous beauty." (3/2014)92 points Wine Enthusiast: "Aromas of dark berry, menthol, crushed violet, mint and pipe tobacco open this elegant expression of Nebbiolo. The palate offers black cherry, ripe raspberry, ...Read More »

96 points Antonio Galloni: "Sweet tobacco, freshly cut flowers, rose petals and sweet red berries, all framed by silky tannins are the signatures in Ceretto's 2010 Barolo Bricco Rocche. Graced with exquisite finesse, the Bricco Rocche offers a little more textural polish than the Prapò at this early stage. At the same time, elements of intrigue remain, suggesting the 2010 isn't showing all of its cards just yet. Overall, this is a fairly dark Barolo for the site at this stage, although the wine does open up very nicely with time in the glass. Sweet floral and spice notes are woven ...Read More »

93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2010 Barolo La Serra is a toasty, spice-driven Barolo with baritone aromas of dark fruit, prune, licorice, cola, crushed rose, leather, cigar smoke and ground clove. It delivers finely-textured on the palate with a balanced dose of fresh acidity and drying tannins on the close. It has all the qualities for a long cellar evolution. Drink: 2017-2032." (7/2014)92 points James Suckling: "Aromas of white truffles, berries and flowers follow through to a full body, with round, velvety tannins and a clean finish. Very approachable now but better in 2016." (4/2014)90 points Wine & Spirits: "With the chocolatey ta...Read More »

96 points Antonio Galloni: "The 2004 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell'Annunziata is a real head-turner. Silky, round and impeccable in the glass, the 2004 fleshes out with exceptional purity and density. Time in bottle has given the 2004 a bit more volume, but the wine is stunningly beautiful, as it has always been. Rose petals, dark red cherries, mint and sweet spices give the finish its textured, super-expressive feel. Since 1990 the Scavino family has produced a number of stunning wines from this grand cru La Morra site; the 2004 is one of the best. (AG)" (5/2015)94 points Wine Spectator: "Beginning to shed some...Read More »

95 points Antonio Galloni: "Gaja's 1999 Barbaresco is quite pretty. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, licorice and dried herbs are some of the many nuances that are woven together in the glass. Soft, silky and impeccably perfumed, the 1999 impresses for its balance, poise and overall sense of harmony. The sensual feminity of Barbaresco comes through very nicely. Based on previous tastings, the magnum format has helped preserve a gorgeous sense of freshness, with only the faintest signs of tertiary notes present today. Hints of tobacco, earthiness and smoke add the final nuanc...Read More »

91 points Antonio Galloni: "Iron, smoke, white truffles, menthol, spices and anise are some of the many notes that meld together in the 2012 Roero La Val dei Preti. Juicy and expressive in this vintage, the Val dei Preti is an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next few years. I wouldn't wait too long, as the mid-weight structure suggests the 2012 is best suited to medium-term drinking, but all the elements are very nicely balanced just the same. (AG)" (5/2015)